Get the lowdown on today's most popular kitchen design trends from top designers Steven La Fonte and Kate Singer.

Trend Spotting

With remodeling projects percolating across the country, kitchens are in the spotlight because a kitchen renovation improves comfort and function now—and resale value later. To learn about some of the top trends in kitchens today, we reached out to Long Island-based designer Kate Singer and Miami-based designer Steven La Fonte to get their insights. Here's what they had to say.

John Bessler for Kate Singer

Bright White Cabinets

I still see a strong preference for crisp white kitchen cabinetry, even in traditional interiors, perhaps with a contrasting color on the island.

Induction Cooking

Induction cooktops are in high demand because they provide more consistent heat than gas. The “wow” factor with this type of cooktop is that it can boil a pot of water in 90 seconds! Even microwaves are becoming more stylish, with discreet stainless steel fronts and control panels.

Lighting Up

Butler's Pantries

I see a revival of the butler’s pantry in many homes. It’s a great connection point between the kitchen and dining room. It’s also the perfect spot for a wine or coffee bar, and for storing or displaying special serving pieces and place settings.

Low-Divide Sinks

I’m seeing a preference for streamlined single-bowl sinks in stainless steel in today's kitchen—and they have gone deeper. However, for consumers who want a double bowl, low-divide sinks are a great option because the divider's short height allows larger items to be placed in the sink with more stability.

Ultra-Functional Faucets

Industrial-style faucets, like Dornbracht's "Tara," are modern classics that work well with most kitchen designs. Auto-touch sensors are also becoming popular—it's easier and more sanitary to pass your hands under the faucet to trip a sensor than to touch the knobs and levers.

Espresso Bars

I see many clients incorporating high-end coffee and espresso bars with expensive commercial-grade European machines that make the most incredible lattes and cappuccinos at the press of a button. That’s luxury!

Smart Storage

Soft-close drawers and practical cabinetry features, such as platter and cookie sheet dividers, comfort-height plate drawers, built-in spice cabinets near cooktops, and a well-organized desk with cabinetry that conceals daily clutter are all popular requests among my clients now.